Professionalism 101

The end of your university path is near and you’re starting to get a bit nervous about reaching that dream job of yours… if there’s one thing that will set you apart and make you feel confident, its professionalism.

Below summarises the idea of professionalism and how you can develop professional skills to enhance your performance in any career:

Everyone starts out at a new job feeling a little apprehensive and amateur, but with an understanding of what professionalism means and the right attitude, anyone can conquer their goals and blow their bosses away!

Professionals are known first and foremost for their specialised knowledge.

If you’re still in the midst of completing your degree, really try and pay attention in lectures and tutorials to absorb as much information as you can.

Not only will this help you for future assessments, but it will help you in the long-term and set you apart from competitors when employers see how knowledgeable you are.

Secondly, professionals get the job done with competence and efficiency.

Show your employers how dedicated and determined you are at your job by completing tasks early and taking initiative to see what else you can start on.

Professionalism is all about being honest and maintaining integrity in every aspect of your job.

Be transparent with clients, practice clear communication and ensure that you are emulating the brand values of your business with pride.

While professionals are incredibly good at what they do, we are only human and are bound to make mistakes – especially when starting out new at a job!

In this case, the most important thing to do is to be accountable for your actions and to make every effort to deal with the consequences in the best possible way.

Professionalism also requires that you look the part!

When going for a job interview, dress like you are a professional. The phrase ‘fake it till you make it’ really rings true here!

If you look the part, the employer will be able to imagine you in their workplace and be impressed by the effort you made.

Professionalism takes time to acquire and it’s all a work in progress.

By paying attention closely to the above skills, there’s no doubt that you can triumph anything that comes your way, in a truly professional manner!

Author:Lucy Pirrie

Hi! My name is Lucy and I’m an advertising student with a love for travel and fashion! I have an unhealthy addiction to the TV show Friends, and hope to one day be writing for
Marie Claire magazine or working as an art director in an Ad Agency. I hope you like my articles!
View all posts by Lucy Pirrie